Scissor Now! at Crossroads Pub in Ypsilanti, MI

An eclectic evening of rock music featuring Scissor Now and the Lucid Furs cures any St. Pattyâ€™s Day hangovers at the Crossroads Pub.

Ann Arborâ€™s own womenâ€™s roller derby team, the Brawlstars decide that the day after St. Patrickâ€™s Day makes for the perfect time to throw a tasty rock and roll smorgasbord. The line-up for the benefit show is stacked with hard-hitting rock and tripped out punk. The intimate setting of the Crossroads Pub in Ypsilanti, Michigan has regulars and newcomers ready to get happy.

Getting the evening rolling is oil slicked garage sounds of Primitiv Parts. This Detroit trio pulls in the crowd with redolent vocals casting shadows of early Smashing Pumpkins. Their set is short and to the point.

Hailing from Ypsilanti, Cig Butts made for the stage with a boisterous audience in tow. They keep the garage rock humming hard with their enthusiasm and penchant for fuzz. They cap off an emotional performance with Rage Against The Machineâ€™s middle finger anthem â€œKilling In The Nameâ€. This band should be on your radar if you are looking for music that screams the passion of punk.

As the evening moves toward the witching hour, the Lucid Furs kick it into high gear. The mean streets of Detroit make for a band with balls out power and a trunk full of soul. The Lucid Furs take the power of the blues and supercharge it with driving rhythm of drummer Dan Regenauer and bassist Joe Kuhr. Guitarist Ethan Carlson is nearly setting the fretboard on fire with his scorching blues licks. The heart and soul of rock and roll beckons from the tantalizing vocals of Karen Oâ€™Connor.

Closing out this gala of alt-rock fun is the weirdly sensual musings of Scissor Now! The band is composed of Kevin Sanchez (drums), Jef Porkins (bass), and Jes Bratus (vocals/sax). Images of Frank Zappa jamming with the Talking Heads and Jesus Lizard spring to mind as the music swims through the crowd.

Jefâ€™â€™s popping bass combined with Kevinâ€™s cracking snare provokes the crowd into jumping and dancing. Jesâ€™s quirky sax and comical tongue-twisting lyrics add fuel to the fire with songs â€œSexual Kombuchaâ€, â€œNot That Kinda Kiss (That a Mother Gives)â€, and â€œMake Babies or Die Tryingâ€. In the blink of an eye, Scissor Now are done with their set and wishing everyone a good night. What a fun night of gritty rock music.

About The Author

Chuck is a native Michigander. He grew up in Detroit, and later Pinckney. He now calls Ann Arbor home. Running is in Chuckâ€™s blood. He has run several marathons and numerous other races. His favorite race is Dances with Dirt in Hell, Michigan. Chuck was first exposed to photography in 7th grade. He has been a photographer ever since, honing his skills shooting landscapes and most recently concerts. In addition to experiencing music from behind the camera, Chuck is a musician in his own right. He has been playing guitar since his teen years. He played in Detroit area metal band, Battalion, recorded two independent releases, and toured. Today when not covering concerts, you can find him online at his blog, Life In Michigan.